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Gadolinium-DTPA enhanced MR imaging of intramuscular abscesses
Abstract:
Sterile, chemical and bacterial abscesses were induced in the paraspinal muscles of 16 rats before obtaining magnetic resonance (MR) images using a 0.35-T resistive system. Abscess intensity, T1 and T2 values were recorded before and after the intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA (0.2 mmol/kg). The MR appearances of the abscesses were correlated with histologic sections. Both sterile and bacterial abscess were detected on MR images without the use of contrast medium, particularly on the T2-weighted spin echo sequence (TE/TR 56/2000 ms). However, the inflammatory zones of abscesses markedly enhanced in intensity with a corresponding decrease in T1 values after the administration of Gd-DTPA (TE/TR 28/500 ms). A clear distinction between the necrotic center and the cellular periphery of each abscesses was evident only after contrast enhancement (TE/TR 28/500 ms). Thus paramagnetic Gadolinium-DTPA was beneficial for defining the histologic components of abscesses on spin echo MR images.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can detect sterile and bacterial abscesses in rats. Gadolinium-DTPA contrast enhancement improved MR visualization of abscess components, aiding histologic correlation.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Abscesses are localized collections of pus, often requiring accurate diagnosis and characterization.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers detailed anatomical visualization but can face challenges in differentiating abscess components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of Gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) contrast enhancement in improving MR imaging of experimentally induced abscesses in rats.
- To correlate MR imaging findings with histologic examination for abscess characterization.
Main Methods:
- Sterile, chemical, and bacterial abscesses were induced in the paraspinal muscles of 16 rats.
- MR imaging was performed using a 0.35-T resistive system before and after intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA.
- Image intensity, T1, and T2 values were recorded and correlated with histologic sections.
Main Results:
- Abscesses were detectable on T2-weighted spin echo MR images without contrast.
- Gd-DTPA administration significantly enhanced abscess inflammatory zones, decreasing T1 values.
- Contrast enhancement was crucial for distinguishing between the necrotic center and cellular periphery of abscesses.
Conclusions:
- Paramagnetic Gd-DTPA is beneficial for defining the histologic components of abscesses on spin echo MR images.
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging improves the characterization of abscesses, aiding in diagnostic accuracy.